Area rugs bring an excellent splash of colors, touch, and feel to your living space. They also provide warmth during cold seasons. However, they easily collect dust, allergens, food spilling’s and pet hair, which can make them look old, dirty, and smelly.
If you feel that your area rug doesn’t appeal anymore? A pressure washer is the best equipment to help you clean your rug to restore its charm.
This write-up is to help you understand how to clean an area rug with pressure washer. What you need to do and what is involved in making sure you rightly accomplish the task.
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WHOLESUN WS 3000 Electric Pressure Washer 2.4GPM Power Washer 1600W High Pressure Cleaner Machine with 4 Nozzles Foam Cannon for Cars, Homes, Driveways, Patios (Blue)
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Area Rug?
The frequency with which to clean your area rug is dependent on:
- The position and traffic your rug gets.
- The material used to make your rug.
- Whether you have pets living in your household and their number.
Generally, area rugs in high-traffic positions demand frequent, thorough cleaning. Practice regular vacuuming to reduce the build-up of dirt and to keep the rug in a presentable condition between cleanings.
How to Tell That Your rug Needs Cleaning
A casual glance is not enough to help you establish if a rug is dirty or not. A rug gradually turns duller as it continually collects dirt. Below are the telltales that you need to clean your area rug:
- If you whack an edge of the rug and dust billows out
- If you notice deep sited dirt on the warp at the base of your rug.
Which Cleaning Solutions are Safe to use on Your area Rugs?
Look out for safe detergents recommended for your rug type. Some detergents might leave residue and even cause discoloration on the shades of the rug.
Test your cleaning solution on a small invisible part of the rug before cleaning. This will help you know the reaction of the rug to the cleaning solution. That is a sure way to prevent harm to the whole rug.
Step by Step Guide to Clean an Area Rug Using a Pressure Washer
Gather all the materials you need, which include:
- Cleaning solution,
- Scrubber or a thick bristled broom,
- A pressure washer.
Step 1. Choose an ideal area where you will clean your area rug outside your house. It can be a waterproof surface such as a patio or a wooden deck. Thoroughly brush the rug on both sides to remove debris.
Step 2. If the pressure washer does not have an in-built detergent tank, apply cleaning spots with detergent. Allow the cleaning solution to stay on the rug for a few minutes.
Step 3. Before starting the cleaning process, check the condition of the pressure washer. Ensure it is well oiled and that all the accessories are in place. See if the nozzles are strong enough.
A piece of faulty equipment cannot handle the task at hand. From a safe distance, hold the wand, pull the trigger and apply pressure.
Avoid passing it too near to the rug as it will cause destruction. Remove all dirt spots accumulated.
Step 4. Clean with water and thoroughly rinse off the detergent from the rug.
Step 5. Locate a space free from dust. Hang the rug to dry.
What to do:
- Not all equipment’s out there is suitable for this task. Ensure the pressure washer you use does not leave your area rug out of shape. See best pressure washers
- Apply right pressure. Excessive pressure destroys the material used to make the rug.
- Get the right cleaning solutions to avoid discoloration and fading of the rug.
- Keep a distance that helps you rightly dispense water to the area rug.
What not to do:
- No hot water. Using hot water will change the degree of pressure already produced by the washer.
- Pass the nozzle at a 12-inches distance away from the rug.
Read Also: How to Clean Pool Tile with Pressure Washer
It’s no secret that a pressure washer is great for cleaning dirty areas on your property. But what about an area rug? Can you use a pressure washer to clean an area rug? The answer is yes, you can.
Can you power wash an outdoor rug?
Power washing is a great way to clean outdoor rugs. The high pressure of the water can remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of the rug. Be sure to test the power washer on a small area of the rug first to make sure that it doesn’t damage the fabric.
To power wash an outdoor rug, you will need a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a bucket, and detergent. Follow the process –
-Fill the bucket with warm water and add detergent, then stir to combine.
-Wet the rug with the garden hose and spray it with the detergent mixture.
-Let the rug soak for a few minutes, then use the nozzle to spray it off.
-Rinse the rug thoroughly with clean water to remove all of the soap.
FAQs About cleaning area rug with a pressure washer
How do you clean a shag area rug with a pressure washer?
To clean a shag area rug with a pressure washer, you will need to attach the appropriate nozzle to the end of the hose. Depending on the type of rug, you may need to use a low-pressure or high-pressure nozzle. Start by spraying the rug lightly with water to wet it completely. Next, adjust the pressure washer to the desired setting and start cleaning the rug. Always start from the bottom and work your way up.
How do you dry a rug after pressure washing?
After pressure washing a rug, it is important to dry it as quickly as possible to prevent any damage. The quickest way to dry a rug is to place it in a sunny spot outside. If it is not possible to do so, the rug can be placed in a well-ventilated area inside. A fan can be used to help speed up the drying process.
How do you wash a rug at the carwash?
The process of washing a rug at the carwash begins by selecting the right wash cycle. Next, the rug is placed in the machine and the appropriate amount of soap is added. The rug is then agitated and rinsed before being dried.
Read Also: Can You Run a Pressure Washer Without Water
How do you clean the bottom of an area rug?
The best way to clean the bottom of an area rug is to use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar. First, make sure that the beater bar is in the off position. Then, hold the vacuum cleaner close to the rug and move it back and forth across the surface. Be sure to keep the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner flat against the rug.
How long does it take an area rug to dry?
The time it takes for an area rug to dry depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the rug, the type of material it is made out of, and the humidity level in the room. In general, however, most rugs will take between 24 and 48 hours to completely dry. This is especially true if the rug is made out of a natural fiber like wool or cotton, which can take longer to absorb moisture than synthetic fibers.
How often should I clean my area rug with a pressure washer?
It is generally recommended to clean area rugs with a pressure washer every 6-12 months, depending on how often the rug is used. In order to achieve the best results, it is important to first test the water pressure on a small, inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure it will not damage the fibers. If the rug is heavily soiled, it may be necessary to clean it more frequently.
What type of soap should I use to clean my area rug with a pressure washer?
The best type of soap to use to clean an area rug with a pressure washer is a detergent specifically designed for carpets and rugs. This type of detergent will help loosen and remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the rug’s surface, while also protecting the fibers from being damaged by the high-pressure water stream.
Parting Shot
If done correctly, cleaning an area rug is a simple task that brings forth satisfying results. Perform the task yourself by following the procedure as well as taking note of the do’s and dont’s.
This process can make the task sound tiring and troublesome. However, it is truly not. For a flawless job, thoroughly read the user’s manual to get a good glimpse of the requirements.
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